How changes in arousal affect brain activity and behavior
Official title: Internally and externally driven arousal changes in neural activity and hemodynamics
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11085940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in excitement levels affect how our brains work and how we behave, using simple measures like pupil size and heart rate, to help find clues for diagnosing conditions like Alzheimer's and attention deficit disorder in both healthy people and those with neurological issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30MH129056-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder, or other neurological conditions that affect arousal and cognition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to cognitive function or arousal may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluctuations in arousal levels influence brain activity and behavior. By measuring non-invasive markers such as pupil diameter and heart rate, the study aims to understand the relationship between arousal and cognitive functions in both healthy individuals and those with neurological disorders. The researchers will analyze changes in brain activity over time to identify potential diagnostic markers for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and interventions for patients with cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking arousal levels to cognitive performance, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Issar, Deepa — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Issar, Deepa
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.